2B - The Michigan Daily WeekendMagaine - Thursday, November 5, 1998

The Michigan aily Weekend Ma



..



Did you kow?


As officials somewhere are probably still busily counting votes from Tuesday's election, it is important to remem-
ber that in the United States you don't always need a majority of votes to win - especially when running for the
Oval Office. The following presidents won the White House without a majority of the popular vote:
John Q Adams, 1824, 30.9 percent Grover Cleveland, 1892, 46.0
James K. Polk 1844.49.6 Woodrow Wilson, 1912, 41.8
Zachary Taylor, 1848,47.3 Woodrow Wilson, 1916,49.2
James Buchanan, 856,45.3 Harry S. Trnman, 1948, 49.5
braham Lincoln, 1860, 398 John E Kennedy, 1960, 49.7
Ru. herford B Hayes, 1876, 40 Richard M. Nixon, 1968,43.4
Jjme 1 . . s'arfk!d, l .B il Clinton, 1992, 43.0
Grover Ckvela.d, I S84. 48.5 Bild Clinton, 1996, 49.2
Benjamin itarnson, i 8, 47.8
Scourc: "The George Magazine Book of Presidential Lists"

F - - FIE PHOTO
"The Big Chil" director Lawrence Kasdan makes a 1983 campus appearence as
part of the promotion of his new movie.
The Big Chili
remais Ann Arbor
classic after 15 year

By Jeff Eldridge
Daily Arts Writer
When Lawrence Kasdan released
"The Big Chill" in 1983, he worried that
the story was too personal to make a
splash at the box office.
The University alumnus had no way of
knowing he created a classic.
"The Big Chill" met immediate
acclaim and commercial success. In the
15 years since its initial release, the
movie has come to define a generation.
Its nationwide re-release tomorrow sym-
bolizes the film's enduring resonance.
"I thought that no one would be able to
understand it if they didn't live through
that era," Kasdan said in an interview
with The Michigan Daily in October,
1983. "But because everybody deals
with the issues of growing up - those
are the same things, the same limitations,
the same immortality, the fact of living
with some compromises - these are
very universal topics."
So universal, in fact, that the film's
popularity extends to today's students.
"The Big Chill" helped to define a place
- namely, the University of Michigan.
President Lee Bollinger admonished
graduates in the class of '98 to seek out
the film as a reminder of their university
and its ideals.
"The Big Chill' is to Michigan what
'The Graduate' is to Berkeley and what
'Love Story' is to Harvard," Bollinger
said at spring commencement. "It's a
Michigan story that couldn't have hap-
pened elsewhere, that partly defines an
era, and that confronts some enduring
themes.... More than anything else, it's
to be found in the web of relationships
that exist among you today."
The story centers around a group of
University graduates who reunite for a
weekend following the suicide of a col-
lege friend. This death forces them to rec-
oncile the idealism of their college days

with the good life they find as thir-
tysomethings. In between, they cheer for
Michigan football, reminisce about Ann
Arbor, and indulge in the sex, drugs and
rock 'n' roll that typified their era.
It is a work strengthened by a superb
ensemble cast, witty dialogue and a killer
soundtrack that helped revive the popu-
larity of Motown music.
Partly autobiographical, the events of
"The Big Chill" draw from Kasdan's own
experiences, as well as those of his
friends.
"Nobody is an exact replica for anyone
else. We all saw characteristics of our
friends in these characters' said
Catherine Fox, a longtime friend of
Kasdan and his wife Meg, and a member
of their college circle.
The film refers to events and personal
idiosyncrasies that occurred in real life,
Fox said. Seeing them played out on the
big screen was tremendously exciting.
Bruce Broder, another college friend
of Kasdan's, shares Fox's enthusiasm.
"I thought it was great, both from the
standpoint of a depiction of the kind of
friendships that we enjoyed and the kind
of conversations that had been balmed to
us," said Broder, another individual said
to be an inspiration for the film's charac-
ters.
Moral and ethical gray areas underline
the choices made throughout the movie.
Kasdan said he attempted to illustrate the
complexities of real life.
"Every one of us does things we're
proud of and things we're ashamed of,
and has desires that aren't always that
elevated, and we had ideals that are hard
to live up to," Kasdan said in an interview
last week. "Any group of friends like that
has a lot of stories and connections."
Frank Beaver, a professor in the film
and video studies department, first met
Kasdan in a playwriting class. Kasdan
See BIG CHILL, Page 4B

Boomtown See Thursday. 8 p.m.
How to Succeed in Business Wthout Really
Trying See Thursday. 8 p.m.
The Taflkng Cure See Thursday. 8 p.m.
Evita See Thursday. $32.50-
The Miracle Worker See Thursday. 11 a.m.
and 8 p.m.
The Tempest See Thursday. 8 p.m.
ALTERNATIVES
Robert Jordan Fantasy author reads
excerpts of his recently released "The Path
of Daggers," the eighth book in the
acclaimed "The Wheel of Time" series.
Borders, 915 East Washington St., 764-
2538, 4-5:30 p.m.
Kathe Koja Author of "Extremities," Koja
reads from her collection of short stories.
Shaman Drum, 313 South State St., 662-
7407, 8 p.m.
Work Works See Thursday. 11 a.m. to 4
p.m.
--- - -------- --
Saturday
CAMPUS CINEMA
Story Of Cinema in Poplelawy (1998) The
intensity of cinema sparks imagination in
this documentary centering around the
invention of the first film projector. $6, $10
dbl.
Street Boys (1996) The story of a strike in
Poland and its violent aftermath. Lorch.
8:40 p.m. $6, $10 dbl.
MUSIC
Five Guys named Moe This is a string band.
It plays everything except hip-hop. Espresso
Royale, 214 South Main St., Free. 668-
1838.
Sugar Pill Laid-back rock with an Ann Arbor
flare. Theo Doors, 705 West Cross St.,
Yspilanti, 10:30 p.m., $4. 485.6720
Big Dave and the Ultrasonics A local tradi-
tion for nearly a decade, their back from the
road -for now. First Street Grill, 102 South
First St., $5. 213-6000.
Jazz Tap Summit An alstar celebration of
tap dancing. Some of the fastest feet in the
world get together in a spirited revue of the
original American art form. Hill Auditorium,
825 North University Ave., 8 p.m. $10 -
$26. 764-2538.
Lucia di Lammermoor Donizetti's opera of a
Romeo and Juliet type love story, culminat-
ing in the final demise of Lucia, incorporates
one of the most demanding coloratura roles.
Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway Ave.,
Detroit. 8 p.m. $18 - $95. (313).874-SING.
Malcolm Bilson Fortepianist performs on
replica and original 18thcentury pianos.
Kerrytown Concert House, 415 North
Fourth Ave. 8 p.m. $15 - $30. 769-2999.
THEATER
Blasphemy Pilgrims See Thursday. 7 p.m.
and 11 p.m.
Boomtown See Thursday. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
How to Succeed in Business Without
Really Trying See Thursday. 2 p.m. and
8 p.m.
The Talking Cure See Thursday. 8 p.m.
Evita See Thursday. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The Miracle Worker See Thursday. 6 p.m.
The Tempest See Thursday. 8 p.m.

Safe Heaven (1998) A Polish woman
reports a robbery and her life is presented
with some unexpected turns. Lorch. 4 p.m.
$6, $10 dbl.
Promised Land (1975) An epic look at
industrial capitalism and its exploitation.
Lorch. 5:30 p.m. $6, $10 dbl.
MUSIC
B.B. King Blues mainstay makes another
Ann Arbor appearance with the same soulful
style and the same trusty guitar. Folk singer
John Hammond opens. Hill Auditorium, 825
North University Ave., 7:30 p.m. $20-30.
764-2538.
Cowboy Junkies Altema-pop with a country
twang - these guys usually send their fans
home happy. They will be playing from their
latest record "Miles From Home." Michigan
Theater, 603 East Liberty, 7:30 p.m., $25.
668-8480.
Eric Anderson He's been around as long as
Bob Dylan and is still going strong. In Ann
Arbor as part of a rare U.S. tour. The Ark,
316 1/2 South Main St., 7:30 p.m. $13.50.
761-1451 or 763-TKTS.
Lucia Di Lammermoor See Saturday. 2 p.m.
Beethoven the Contemporary The
American String Quartet performs the first
in a series of four concerts celebrating the
infamous Ludwig Van. Rackham Auditorium,
915 East Washington St., 4 p.m. $16 - $30.
7642538.
Malcolm Bilson See Saturday. 4 p.m.
THEATER
Boomtown See Thursday. 2 p.m.
The Talking Cure See Thursday. 2 p.m. and
7 p.m.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really
Trying See Thursday. 2 p.m.
Evita See Thursday. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Miracle Worker See Thursday. 2 p.m.
and 6:30 p.m.
House Blend Series A staged reading of two
original one-act plays by Lyn Coffin. The
Gypsy Cafe, 214 North Fourth Ave. 6 p.m.
$2 donation. 424-9962.
The Tempest See Thursday. 2 p.m.
ALTERNATIVES
Docent Tour A free tour of the Master
Drawings from the Worcester Art Museum.

ALTERNATIVES
Jeanette Isabella The self-help author of
"Someday is Here! Thirty Days to Personal
Renewal, Spiritual Growth and Enhanced
Creativity" discusses her book with signing
to follow. Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 3245
Washtenaw Ave., 677-6475, 11 a.m.
Master Drawings From the Worcester Art
Museum in Massachusetts comes a fasc-
nating exhibit which examines an artistic
bond between the artist and the act of
drawing. Featured are 100 drawings, from
artists such as Rubens, David, van Gogh
and Bellows. University Museum of Art, 525
South State St., Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
State Street Poetry Project Poetry reading
featuring six University student writers.
Music provided by local artists. East Hall
Auditorium, 8 p.m.
Work Works See Thursday. 11 a.m. to 4
p.m.

Sunday
CAMPUS CINEMA

University Museum of Art, 525 South State
Street, 2 p.m.
Master Drawings See Saturday. Open 12
p.m. to 5 p.m.
Work Works See Thursday. 11a.m. to 4
p.m.
---------------
Monday
CAMPUS CINEMA
Othello (1951) Orson Welles's adaptation
of the Shakespearean classic. Michigan
Theater. 603 E. Liberty St. 4:10 p.m.
The Thief (1998) Russian with English sub-
titles. "The Thief" is the story of a six year-
old boy and his mother, and how a man dras-
tically changes their life. Michigan Theater,
603 E. Liberty St. 7 p.m.
The Governess (199%) Minnie Driver plays
a Jewish woman who poses as a Christian in
order to secure a job as a governess.
Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 9 p.m.
MUSIC
The Randy Napoleon Quartet A Monday
night favorite, get ready for another evening
of classic jazz and original compositions.
Leonardo's, Pierpont Commons, 2101
Bonisteel Blvd. 8 p.m. 764-7544.
His Name Is Alive Apparently these guys
are pretty famous and really pretty popular
too. We've never really heard much about
them except that they are from Lavonia and
are playing with special guests Komeda and
Dean Fertita. The Blind Pig, 208 South First
St., 8 p.m., $10. 996-8555 or 763-TKTS
A LTERNATIVES
Adam Guffson Author reads from "Mister
Satan's Apprentice," the story of his mus[
cal collaboration with Mister Satan.
Borders, 915 East Washington St., 764-
2538, 7 p.m.
Kristin Hass The author of "Carried to the
Wall: American Memory and the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial" reads. Shaman Drum,
313 South State St., 662-7407, 8 p.m.
Guild House Writers Series Novelist Brian
Tell, this week's featured author of the
Monday night series, reads, followed by
open mic and discussion session. Guild
House, 802 Monroe St., 8:30 p.m.
Work Works See Thursday. 11 a.m. to 4
p.m.
---------------
Tuesday
CAMPUS CINEMA
College (1927) A silent film with organ
accompaniment, portraying campus life in a
comical light. Michigan Theater, 603 E.
Liberty St. 4:10 p.m. Free.
Bitter And Sweet (1995) Director Myung-
Se will be in attendance at this example of
Korean film at its finest. Michigan Theater,
603 E. Liberty St. 7 p.m.
D-Day (1994) A documentary weaving
together the thoughts of those who partici-
pated in the Normandy Invasion. Ann Arbor
District Library, 343 S. 5th St. 7 p.m. free.
Kurt And Courtney (1998) Nick Broomfield
offers one view of the lives of Kurt Cobain
and Courtney Love. Michigan Theater, 603
E. Liberty St. 10 p.m.
MUSIC
Choying Drolma and Steve Tibbetts
Acclaimed fusion guitarist Tibbetts and per-
cussionist Marc Anderson team up with

Drolma and other nuns of the Na
Nunnery, a Buddhist nunnery in th
of the Himalayas. Kerrytown
House, 415 North Fourth Ave. 8 p
students, Others $10 - $15. 769-,
Sol y Canto They speak more Sp2
just the words in their name. The
1/2 South Main St., 7:30 p.m.
761-14561 or 763-Tkts.
Funktelligence You can't possit
the funk. Bird of Paradise, 207 So
St., 9 p.m., $5. 662-8310.
Nothin' But the Blues Jam There
tle room for anything else. The 1
201 West Michigan Ave., Ypsil
p.m., Free. 482-5320.
THEATER
Evita See Thursday. 8 p.m.
The Miracle Worker See Thursda
ALTERNATIVES
Shaktl Gawain Best-selling R
"Creative Visualization" discuE
signs copies of her latest work,
the Light." Borders, 915 East W
St., 764-2538, 7 p.m.
Ursula Wiltshire Good enough
reads from "The Sacred Depths c
Shaman Drum, 313 South State
7407, 8 p.m.
Master Drawings See Saturday.
5 p.m.
Work Works See Thursday. 11
p.m.
------------
Wednesday
CAMPUS CINEMA
My Love, My Bride (1990) The
five movies by Korean director L
Se. Part of the 1998 Korean fil
Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty
American History X (1998) Free
view of the Tony Kaye offerin
Edward Norton and Edward
Portrays the effects of urban raci
brothers. Lorch. 8 p.m. Free.

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Cowboy Junkies, and they wil